Think the IUP Legacy Gala is just another black-tie affair? Think again. This annual fundraising event helps to support fellowships, scholarships, and study-abroad experiences for our students.

Proceeds from the annual gala—falling this year on Saturday, April 10, in the Carnegie Museum Music Hall Foyer—benefit the University Fund for Academic Excellence.

This fund was established with proceeds from the inaugural Legacy Gala in 2008 to support activities that directly benefit students and expand their opportunities beyond the classroom.

In its first year, the fund provided fellowships for graduate students and scholarships for undergraduates. At the same time, planning commenced on ways to enhance global awareness of students—many of whom are first-generation college students who have not seen much of the world.

The IUP International Education Scholarship Program, announced in February 2009, was made possible in large part by the University Fund for Academic Excellence.

This program provides financial support to students taking part in overseas educational opportunities such as study abroad, student exchange, and faculty-led or independently arranged programs. It also helps to defray associated costs such as travel expenses and passport and visa fees.

This financial support can make the difference in a student's ability to participate in the potentially life-changing experience of studying abroad.

How You Can Help

You can support the University Fund for Academic Excellence in the following ways:

  • Purchase a ticket to attend the gala ($350 per couple or $175 per person).
  • Reserve a table of eight at the gala ($1,400 per table).
  • Become a sponsor of the gala.
  • Make a donation to the University Fund for Academic Excellence.
  • Donate items for the gala's silent auction or purchase items through the auction.

More about the Gala

In addition to acting as a fundraiser, the IUP Legacy Gala celebrates IUP's ties to the Pittsburgh region, recognizes some of the region's highest achievers, and brings together members of the extended IUP community for a night that includes dinner, dancing, and a silent auction.

The event is hosted by IUP President Tony Atwater and his wife, Dr. Beverly Roberts-Atwater.

Two regional achievers will be recognized with Presidential Legacy Awards: Glenn Cannon, a 1971 IUP graduate, for civic service and Barbara Russell, a 1954 graduate, for alumni distinction.

Cannon is senior vice president for Hillard Heintze, a strategic security advisors company, and former director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's disaster operations.

Russell, an actor-educator, is known for her thirty-five years on the comedy team Brockett and Barbara.

Find more information on the IUP Legacy Gala website.